A New Era in Women’s Football and Its Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
For many, football has always been associated with a specific image — one that often excludes certain groups. As someone who never felt drawn to the sport, I grew up in an environment where only boys were encouraged to play, while girls were directed towards netball. Over time, football became synonymous with rowdy behavior, as seen in the example of a friend who nearly threw her TV out of the window after England lost the 2021 Men’s Euros final.
As a queer woman, I’ve often felt like I didn’t belong in the world of football. The lack of representation made it hard to see myself in the sport. However, this summer’s Women’s Euros changed my perspective.
Initially, I wasn’t particularly interested in watching the tournament, but when a group chat invited me to join a pub viewing, I decided to give it a try. What followed was a powerful experience. When Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty, lesbian couples kissed, women embraced, and queer friends celebrated together. It was a moment of community and belonging that I hadn’t expected to find outside of an LGBTQ+ space.
This wasn’t just a win for women; it was a win for the entire queer community. Across all teams in the Euros, there are reportedly 78 openly LGBTQ+ players and coaches. In contrast, the 2022 Men’s World Cup had none. Even now, no player in the Premier League is publicly out. This makes the visibility of the Lionesses even more significant.
Players like Jill Scott, Beth Mead, and Jess Carter have spoken openly about their queer identities. While some choose not to label themselves publicly, many are rumored to be in relationships with women. The team has even been affectionately called “The Lesbianesses.”
Creating Safe Spaces Through Representation
For Mia Walters, a 24-year-old from Manchester, the Women’s Euros provided a sense of safety and acceptance. Growing up in a family of football fans, she never felt like the sport was for her. As a queer woman, she often felt excluded from spaces that seemed more welcoming to queer men.
However, watching the women’s games changed her perspective. “The energy could not be more different,” she says. “The Lioness games really provided that safe space. It feels like it’s tailored for women and queer women.”
Mia even traveled to Switzerland to watch the final. “Seeing families, female couples, and groups of friends made it easy to feel integrated,” she explains. For her, the matches were the only places where she felt completely comfortable being openly gay with her girlfriend.
Celebrating Queer Love on Our Own Terms
Eleanor Noyce, a lifestyle reporter for MG NEWS DAY, agrees that the community around the Lionesses is buzzing with pride. As a bisexual woman, she believes that the representation of queer players is crucial. “It means the world to me,” she says. “I’m a lifelong Arsenal fan, and while I support the men’s team, I feel more at home and accepted at Arsenal women’s games.”
Eleanor highlights how the presence of openly queer players on the pitch brings a sense of pride and connection. “Other queer women get excited about couples within teams — there’s fan accounts dedicated to the likes of Beth Mead and Vivienne Miedema. Society has sexualised queer women for such a long time, but now we’re celebrating queer love on our own terms.”
She recalls watching the final in a South London pub, surrounded by queer women. “When Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty, a couple in front of me kissed, with a Pride Progress flag pinned behind them. It just felt normal, and I’ve never experienced that before.”
Grassroots Football and the Power of Visibility
Eve Kirman, a grassroots football player from Norwich, also speaks to the impact of the Lionesses. She played in boys’ teams and later for Norwich United but eventually gave up football due to the lack of career opportunities for women. Today, she plays in local teams where she notices a level of openness about queer identity.
“This trickles down from the Lionesses,” Eve explains. “They’ve created a really accepting, amazing vibe. We joke about bringing our WAGs to the sidelines of games to support us.”
While Eve acknowledges the progress, she also points out areas where inclusivity still needs improvement. “The FA recently decided to ban trans women from playing in women’s football. There’s definitely more that can be done.”
A Call for More Inclusion
The Women’s Euros have shown the power of representation and community. From the pitch to the stands, the Lionesses have created a space where queer women can feel seen and celebrated. Their influence extends beyond the game, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
As the sport continues to evolve, it’s important to reflect on who is being left out and what more can be done to ensure inclusivity for all. The journey is ongoing, but the progress made so far is a testament to the impact of visibility and representation.
